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Parents, committee press for answers after budget reports trigger questions about $2M surplus and staffing cuts
Summary
Parents and several committee members pressed district leaders over an apparent $2–2.5 million year-end surplus shown in recent materials, asking how layoffs and cuts were made if funds remain; administration and staff said numbers are preliminary and Open Architects will provide further analysis next week.
Several parents and committee members raised alarm on June 15 about budget materials indicating a multimillion-dollar surplus while layoffs and staff reductions have already been implemented.
At the meeting a committee member said a roll-forward report appeared to show a roughly $2 million surplus and asked how that squared with recent layoffs. "How is that possible?" the member asked, noting the numbers on a spreadsheet appeared to show a large remaining balance late in the fiscal year.
Kevin Fish, speaking in public comment, told the committee he had “lost a great deal of confidence in the leadership” and criticized the timing and prioritization of cuts. "The real loss here is not only about positions on a spreadsheet. It's about not seeing the school for what it really is," Fish said.
Superintendent Dr. Rip and other administrators told the committee that the materials presented reflect a work-in-progress: some invoices and transfers still need to be processed, and Open Architects is working to reconcile benefits and rural-aid estimates. Dr. Rip said the district expects a memo by mid next week with more detailed analysis.
The business manager reported no warrants or transfers on the evening's agenda and acknowledged the committee's concern; members said they want the detailed, line-by-line budget spreadsheet used in recent staff discussions before town meetings. The committee voted to move its June 25 meeting to June 22 to coordinate with special town meetings where residents will ask budget questions.
The committee also approved a one-time stipend (up to six days) for the incoming school business administrator to overlap with outgoing contractors so the new hire can be trained and help reconcile closing-year finances.
What’s next: Open Architects will deliver a benefits/rural-aid analysis by mid next week, staff will supply the detailed line-by-line budget spreadsheet to committee members, and the committee will face budget questions at upcoming special town meetings.
